Page 248 of 407

It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
The tire pressure sensors mounted in the wheels (originally installed on
your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires not recommended by Ford Motor Company
may affect the operation of your Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
If the TPMS indicator is flashing, your TPMS is malfunctioning. Your
replacement tire might be incompatible with your TPMS, or some
component of the TPMS may be damaged.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
WARNING:If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do
notrapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five
seconds.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
248
Page 310 of 407

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
for information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
310
Page 403 of 407

lubrication specifications .......392
refill capacities ........................392
service points ..................357–358
starting after a collision .........312
Engine block heater .................278
Engine oil ..................................361
checking and adding ..............361
dipstick ....................................361
filter, specifications ........364, 391
recommendations ...................364
refill capacities ........................392
specifications ..........................392
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................277
F
Fail safe cooling ........................373
Family entertainment system ....49
Floor mats .................................150
Fluid capacities .........................392
Fog lamps ....................................90
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......299
driving off road .......................302
indicator light .........................299
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................288
Fuel ............................................375
calculating fuel
economy ..................124, 137, 381
cap ...........................................377
capacity ...................................392
choosing the right fuel ...........378
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................384
detergent in fuel .....................379
filler funnel .............................379
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................375, 377, 381filter, specifications ........374, 391
fuel pump shut-off switch .....312
improving fuel economy ........381
octane rating ...................378, 396
quality ......................................379
running out of fuel .........331, 379
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................375
Fuses ..................................313–314
G
Garage door opener ..................103
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............377
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................381
Gauges .........................................18
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................266
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................266
H
Hazard flashers .........................311
Headlamps ...................................89
aiming ........................................91
bulb specifications ....................94
daytime running lights .............90
flash to pass ..............................91
high beam .................................90
turning on and off ....................89
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................82, 84
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................117
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
403